MILFORD, Del.- Milford City Council voted to move forward with the long-debated Deep Branch Park proposal off South Rehoboth Boulevard.
Council approved the plan Tuesday night in a 5-3 vote, clearing the way for the 19-acre public park to be developed.
The project is partly funded by a state grant, which officials said would have gone elsewhere if the park had been rejected.
Plans for Deep Branch Park include a half-mile walking and biking path, a multi-age playground, basketball and pickleball courts, a picnic pavilion, public restroom and more than seven acres of open space.
The city purchased the land in 2021. Though the park has faced legal and public opposition, particularly tied to the Annette Billings eminent domain case, the final plan excludes her land. It does include a parcel sold by her brother.
Miguel Silva, who lives right next to the land says the park is a great idea and he sees himself bringing his dog there.
"I would definitely use it because, I drive 1.2 miles to that little dog park down the street from here," said Silva. "But having the park there, I'll take advantage of that."
Other neighbors, like Connie Pusey say they're disappointed by the park's approval.
"If they're that interested in pickleball or they're that interested in playing basketball, there are other areas they can go to," said Pusey. "They don't have to go here, and right now it's economically not a good time for this."
Both Silva and Pusey say they're worried about additional traffic due to the park, saying the area is already prone to accidents.
A construction timeline has not been announced. The park site lies outside city limits, meaning law enforcement would fall under state police jurisdiction.
During the meeting Tuesday, city officials noted more approvals are needed from Sussex County and relevant state agencies.
